CHL Top Prospects Game Captains Named

The CHL Top Prospects Game will take place on Monday, January 30th in Quebec City, matching the CHL's Top 40 draft-eligible prospects in a best on best format. The game will be a exciting opportunity for Nolan Patrick who will captain Team Cherry. Since his return to the Brandon Wheat Kings on January 13th, the consensus number one overall pick this summer has put up four points in two games. The alternate captains for Team Cherry will be Maxime Comtois (Victoriaville) and Owen Tippett (Mississauga). 

Nico Hischier, who has increased his draft stock this season through a strong QMJHL performance for Halifax and a terrific World Juniors for Switzerland will Captain Team Orr. Hischier, who has moved into the discussion for first overall in some scouts eyes has posted 63 points (31G, 32A) in 37 games, ranking fourth in QMJHL scoring, despite missing time for the WJC. Michael Rasmussen (Tri-City) and Nicolas Hague (Mississauga) will join Hischier to round out Team Orr's leadership group.

Patrick/Hischier Will Captain Team Cherry and Team Orr

Tuesday Night's Action

Dallas and New York played a wild 7-6 game at the Garden last night that saw Henrik Lundqvist get pulled after the second period and seven goals against. Two prospects who had an impact were Pavel Buchnevich (NYR) and Radek Faksa (DAL). 

Buchnevich has battled back issues all season, but is a point-per-game player in the 13 games he has been in the line-up. Dobber tweeted out last night, that Buchnevich is riding a seven game point streak sandwiched around his time out of the lineup, putting up 11 points during the stretch. 

Dating back before his injury, the #NYRangers rookie Pavel Buchnevich is on a 7-game points streak (11 points)

— Dobber (@DobberHockey) January 18, 2017

When I looked up Faksa this morning, I was a bit surprised by his level of production. He's currently in the midst of of a four game point streak with nine points in his last seven. The 23-year old saw time with Devin Shore and Patrick Sharp last night, and has raised his offensive game to nearly a half point-per-game over 46 games this year with 22 points (6G, 16A). More impressively, he has put up these numbers with little to no power play time and no power play points to pad his stat totals. 

***

Nothing much surprises us anymore when talking about Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner.  Last night, Matthews again showed off his elite level shooting ability, and Marner picked his 26th assists, good for a tie for 17th in the NHL, and first among rookies. Really, it was just an excuse to post this goal…

Auston Matthews go-ahead goal pic.twitter.com/yVxVM8crXq

— GIF Grand Maester (@myregularface) January 18, 2017

***

Blake Coleman picked up his first NHL point, an assist on Beau Bennett's game-winning goal over the first-place Minnesota Wild. The 2011 third round selection was a four-year player for Miami University, and has been playing well for the Devils affiliate in Albany with 23 points in 34 games. He has appeared in four games for New Jersey, primarily playing in the teams bottom six. 

***

The trio of Nick Schmaltz (1G, 1A), Vinnie Hinostroza (2 G) and Tanner Kero (2G, 1A) scored five of the six goals for Chicago in a 6-4 victory over Colorado.  It was Schmaltz second game since being recalled, and he did his damage in just under 10 minutes of ice time. Kero and Hinostroza were on a line with Marian Hossa, and produced four even strength goals. 

***

The Matthew Tkachuk-Mikael Backlund-Michael Frolik train continues to roll, as one of the best lines in the NHL. Tkachuk is now up to 29 points (8 G, 21A) after a two assist performance last night, which puts him in a tie for fourth in rookie scoring. The Flames forward has 14 points in his last 14 games, and is showing the type of complete game that Calgary fans were hoping they would get when he was drafted sixth overall this summer. 

Tonight's Games

Arizona at Winnipeg – 7:30 PM ET

Pittsburgh at Montreal – 8:00 PM ET 

Boston at Detroit – 8:00 PM ET

Florida at Edmonton – 9:30 PM ET

San Jose at Los Angeles – 10:30 PM ET

Give Kevin a follow at @kleblanchockey for prospect talk and happenings.